2010's Off-Season Schedule

Wondering what the big dates are in baseball over the winter? Look no further! Dates have been moved forward this season, so if some of these yearly events look like they're coming earlier than last year...it's probably because they are.

5 Days after World Series: This is the free agency filing period. Normally this has taken 15 days, so this is where baseball is gaining their extra time.

November 16 - 18: General Manager's and Owner's meetings. These aren't as hyped as the Winter Meetings in December, but considering how much doesn't get done after all the rumors in December, they're just as likely to produce something unexpected. Remember, J.J. Hardy was landed before the GM Meetings last year...these things can happen at anytime. It helps that a notoriously tight-lipped front office means that most moves will end up bindsiding you.

November 23: Last day for teams to offer arbitration to impending free agents. The Twins have a number of interesting decisions to make on this front. (Jon, Adam and Bobomojo have all contributed in some way to this conversation this week, be sure to look back at what they've had to say if you've missed it.)

November 30: Last date for impending free agents to accept or decline arbitration.

December 2: Non-tender deadline. This could be an interesting day.

December 6 - 9: Winter Meetings. There's always a lot of great speculation and discussion on these days, even if nothing happens. (It's a great way to get through miserable, dark days at work.)

January 5 - 15: Salary arbitration filing period.

January 18: Arbitration figures exchanged.

February 1 - 21: Arbitration hearings.

February 13: Pitchers and catchers report.

February 18: Everyone else.

March 31: Opening Day.